CALL SPECIFICATION DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021
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CALL SPECIFICATION
DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021
Competitive Call for Research Proposals
DEADLINE FOR COMPLETED APPLICATION SUBMISSION 09 March 2021
Online Applications Only.
To be submitted via: https://dafm.flexigrant.com/
This Call Specification must be read in conjunction with the following guidelines in order to complete
applications under this Call:
Guidelines for Applicants
FlexiGrant Portal Guidelines
All responses to this Call for Submission of Proposals will be treated in confidence. Personal data
collected from Call Proposals will be processed in accordance with General Data Protection
Regulations. The purpose of the collection and processing of this data is the management, payment
and verification of Call applications. Data will be shared externally with our software provider, Fluent
Technology. The Department may elect, where necessary, to share relevant information with
collaborating partners and relevant funding institutions.DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND, GOALS and OBJECTIVES....................................................................3
1.1 Introduction and Background .......................................................................................................3
1.2 DAFM Competitive Research Programme Goal ............................................................................3
1.3 Objectives......................................................................................................................................4
1.4 Guiding Principles .........................................................................................................................4
1.5 Key Timelines ................................................................................................................................5
2 RESEARCH THEMES FOR CALL 2021 ......................................................................................................6
2.1 List of Thematic Research Objectives .................................................................................................9
I. Climate, Environment, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services ............................................................9
II. Smart Sustainable Animal & Plant Production, Health & Welfare ................................................ 13
III. Rural Economy & Sustainable Development, Data & Agri-Digitalisation & Circular Bioeconomy 16
IV. Safe, Healthy Food for Human Nutrition. ..................................................................................... 19
V. Smart Food Processing and Manufacturing .................................................................................. 24
3 FUNDING ............................................................................................................................................ 26
3.1 Funding Instruments .................................................................................................................. 26
3.2 Co-Funding ................................................................................................................................. 28
4 ELIGIBILITY AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS................................................................................. 30
APPENDIX A: Relevant Strategies to the Call ............................................................................................ 31
APPENDIX B. Technology Readiness Level Scale ........................................................................................ 33
APPENDIX C. Policy Readiness Level Scale ................................................................................................. 34
APPENDIX D. Society Readiness Level Scale .............................................................................................. 36
2DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
1 INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND, GOALS and OBJECTIVES
1.1 Introduction and Background
Globally the agri-food, forest and bio-based sectors are facing challenges and structural changes
that are accelerating under the influence of societal demands, expanding populations and the
adverse effects of climate change. Guided by these challenges, DAFM has launched the new
Thematic Research Call 2021 to stimulate and engage researchers and institutions in the
submission of innovative proposals in preparation for research and innovation actions that will
emerge under revised agri-food, forest and bio-based sector 2030 strategy. The DAFM Thematic
Research Call 2021 aims to drive opportunities and address challenges, such as those raised in
the EU Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, in a way that promotes the development of
new or innovative systems, practices and technologies through an inclusive range of actors in
the agri-food, forest and bio-based system.
In line with Ireland’s Programme for Government, Calls for Proposals under DAFM’s ‘Public
Good’ Competitive Research Programme will continue to evolve to support cutting edge
scientific and technological innovation, which provides the basis for policy implementation and
the means to address these growing challenges. DAFM’s National Research Call 2021 focuses on
further development in key areas of the agri-food, forest and bio-based sectors through a
thematic and systems based approach.
The potential value in research can remain untapped because it exists in silos unavailable to
those who might use and benefit from it. Unlocking the value of impact from research and
innovation in the agri-food, forest and bio-based system remains a significant challenge due to
barriers, lack of trust between different actors, perceptions of the social consequences to
change, and economic barriers to investment and because of unclear returns. Therefore, the
DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 places significant emphasis on transferring research to
practice and building relationships to promote the uptake, transition and use of new solutions
and technologies in the agri-food, forest and bio-based sectors.
1.2 DAFM Competitive Research Programme Goal
The overarching goal of DAFM’s Competitive Research Programme is to provide a versatile
suite of offerings that supports, through competitive calls, thematic, integrated and systems-
based research in the agri-food, forest and bio-based sectors. The programme aims to address
a range of key challenges and opportunities, drive open responsible research and innovation to
facilitate a just transition to a sustainable agri-food, forest and bio-based system. Furthermore,
it aims to contribute to Irish research capability and capacity, facilitate stakeholder
engagement through knowledge transfer and position Irish researchers to successfully compete
for funding under Horizon Europe. It is also designed to promote an open knowledge economy
3DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
that fosters beneficial research outputs and impacts for industry, policy, the environment and
society.
1.3 Objectives
Therefore, the principal objectives of DAFM’s Thematic Research Call 2021 are to:
Support the development of a holistic and sustainable1 agri-food, forest and Bio-based
system which aims to deliver affordable, safe and nutritious food for all citizens, while
addressing challenges related to having a healthy environment.
To engage through partnerships with other Departments and agencies and to encourage
relevant collaboration, partnership and multi/inter-disciplinary approaches in research and
innovation through the call process, across research participants, institutions, all academic
disciplines and market sectors.
Build research capacity, expertise and reputation, and address capability gaps by funding
excellent scientific research and providing opportunities for early stage researchers in areas
of strategic importance to the agri-food system and Irish society.
Facilitate enhanced opportunities for researchers based in Ireland to engage, lead and
successfully compete in other national and international research calls of strategic interest
to Ireland.
Foster and support innovative research projects with a strong potential for impact with
clear links between research investment and research outputs that will have a direct impact
on operating environments and policy (over the short, medium and long-term) required as
part of the application and reporting processes.
o An Impact Statement will be required, and it will be necessary for applicants to identify
suitable impact indicators in the application form.
Foster and support knowledge transfer or exchange of funded research between
researchers and key stakeholders, including co-creation.
o The proposed engagement with stakeholders is required in the application form by
provision of a Knowledge Transfer Plan which will help projects promote knowledge
flows and strengthen links between research and key stakeholders (policy makers,
citizens and industry) and to facilitate co-creation and greater dissemination, up-take
and use of research.
Fund research projects with the potential to raise awareness and engage the general public
on the role of the agri-food system in societal challenges and opportunities.
1.4 Guiding Principles
Research proposals submitted under this Call should be guided by or take account of the
following principles:
1
Economic, environmental and social
4DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
Strategic Outlook: Research proposed will be guided by strategic outlooks/agendas, policy
developments and international best practice developed with agri-food, forest & bio-based
system stakeholders.
Scientific Excellence: Proposed research will embed rigour in all aspects of the scientific
endeavour and includes inter alia excellence in research, management, communication,
advice and mentoring.
Conflict of Interest: To ensure that conflict of interest avoidance procedures are embedded
and transparent as part of the research application process.
Inclusiveness: To ensure that the research proposed takes due account of the views and
needs of all relevant upstream and downstream stakeholders.
Fairness, Equality and Diversity2: To ensure that fairness, equality and diversity is at the
core of the research activities.
Research Integrity: The performance of research is conducted to the highest standards of
professionalism and rigour, and to the accuracy and integrity of the research dissemination.
Research Performing Organisations shall adhere to the National Policy Statement on
Ensuring Research Integrity.
Open Science: A commitment that the competitive research process is built around an open
research environment of transparency, collaboration, accessibility and efficiency, in order to
increase the information value, communication and impact of research to stakeholders.
Ethics: Research funded is ethical and legal and all required licenses, data protection and
regulatory requirements are met and valid.
Applications to this Call should clearly demonstrate in the submitted proposal, how the
expectations set out above will be met in the context of the proposed research and
innovation.
1.5 Key Timelines
Applicants should take note of the following key dates and timeline for the DAFM Thematic
Research Call 2021. Please note that the timings provided here following the submission
deadline for research proposals are indicative and may be subject to change. If you do not find
the answer to your query in the call documentation, you should contact:
research@agriculture.gov.ie
Activity Date
Call Open 10th December 2020
Submission Deadline for DAERA NI pre-approval 29th January 2021
template
Technical FAQ Deadline 31st January 2021 (at13:00 hours)
Submission Deadline 28th February 2021 (at 13:00 hours)
Results of call Q3 2021 (indicative)
Commencement of projects Q4 2021
2
Age, race, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion and/or beliefs, pregnancy, maternity and paternity, marriage and civil status
5DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
2 RESEARCH THEMES FOR CALL 2021
The DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 seeks to engage researchers in the development of
high-quality research proposals linked to key strategic policy objectives for the agri-food, forest
and bio-based system.
The central mission-orientated aim is “a Sustainable Landscape Approach to the Agri-Food,
Forest and Bio-based System” that is organised around five broad inter-related key themes.
A sustainable landscape approach to the agri-food, forest and bio-based system implies
integrated management of related resources for food and fibre production that fosters
contributions to human and animal nutrition and well-being, while supporting biodiversity,
ecosystem services, circularity and strengthened measures to address climate change
mitigation and adaptation. It implies a framework to integrate policy and practice for the
multiple uses of land and its natural resources that not only include the physical characteristics
of the landscape but also include the internal and external socio-economic and socio-political
drivers that affect the agri-food, forest and bio-based sectors. In short, landscape approaches
seek to address the increasingly complex and widespread environmental, social, economic and
political challenges that transcend the traditional management of these sectors and their
boundaries in an over-arching and connected systems-based framework.3 It supports the
European Green Deal, in particular, the Farm to Fork Strategy’s aim to ensure food and
nutrition security, while addressing environmental and societal challenges. It will enable
innovation throughout the food chain by encouraging the development of healthier food
choices while facilitating process innovations and robust food safety approaches to tackle
emerging risks arising from climate change or the application of new farming methods or novel
technologies as well as potential risks arising from the consumption of new foods or food
ingredients.
3
Reed, J., Deakin, L. & Sunderland, T. What are ‘Integrated Landscape Approaches’ and how effectively have they been implemented in the
tropics: a systematic map protocol. Environ Evid 4, 2 (2015).
Plieninger, T., Muñoz-Rojas, J., Buck, L.E. et al. Agroforestry for sustainable landscape management. Sustain Sci 15, 1255–1266 (2020).
6DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
Mission
Sustainable landscape approach to the agri-food, forest and bio-
based system
Theme I Theme II Theme III
Smart,
Theme IV Theme V
Climate, Rural Growth,
Sustainable Safe, Healthy
Environment, Digitalisation Smart Food
Animal & Plant Food for
Biodiversity & and the Processing and
Production, Human
Ecosystem Circular Manufacturing
Health & Nutrition
Services Bioeconomy
Welfare
Crosscutting areas (social/economic/behavioural sciences, research to policy,
zero waste)
Thematic Research (Part A)
The thematic research opportunity (Part A) encourages an innovative systems-based and
“bottom-up” approach by researchers in eligible research performing organisations to submit
applications under the five cross-sectoral themes that align with relevant strategies (see Annex
A) and address a named set of objectives and defining parameters outlined in detail below in
Section 2.1.
Applicants are also encouraged to combine pertinent elements from more than one theme into
their proposals, making sure to justify this approach, and/or apply cross-cutting areas, where
appropriate to the research proposals.
Applicants are strongly encouraged in the research proposals to include an emphasis on the
interactions, synergies and trade-offs between the agri-food, forest and bio-based system with
other connected systems, such as the climate system, environment and land-use systems,
ecosystem(s) and biodiversity, nutrition and diet, and system shocks as highlighted in the
diagram below.
7DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
System Shocks
Climate System
Agri-Food, Forest and Bio- Environment
Diet and based System / Land-Use
Nutrition
Systems
Ecosystems and
Biodiversity
Specified elements (Part B)
Applications are also invited for a small number of tightly defined research topics (Part B) that
are designed to specifically address challenges and opportunities under each theme and
encourage innovative approaches that will feed directly into relevant policy and sectoral
priorities. These tightly defined research topics can be either directly addressed in a stand
alone manner or integrated into proposals covering the higher-level thematic areas.
Applicants should also note that for this Call they are required to provide in the application
form the following information that will be taken into consideration as part of the expert
evaluation process:
Achieving greater impact from research. An Impact Statement and implementation plan is
required under Section 3 of the application form, and;
Enhanced approaches to knowledge transfer/exchange. A Knowledge Transfer Plan is
required under Section 3 and 4 of the application.
The DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 is open to research proposal applications submitted
under any of the four funding instruments listed in Section 3.1.
Detailed information relating to each thematic area is set out in Section 2.1 below.
8DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
2.1 List of Thematic Research Objectives
Applicants are encouraged to combine elements from more than one theme in their proposals,
provided there is strong justification for such an approach. Further to this, the effect of cross-
cutting areas must be considered by applicants, inter alia climate change, biodiversity and
healthy ecosystems, microbiome applications and socio-technological change / disruption, to
ensure economically, socially and environmentally beneficial research outcomes to support the
just transition for end-users / stakeholders in the agri-food-forest and bio-based sectors.
The five themes are described below.
I. Climate, Environment, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Rationale
The goal of Research Theme I is to support climate-smart research to improve, integrate and
develop novel agriculture, aquaculture and forest systems which support national greenhouse
gas (GHG) / ammonia adaptation and mitigation goals, including the production of food, forest,
bio-based fuels, chemicals and materials, healthy soil systems, water and air quality, ecology
and biodiversity.
Proposals in this area should describe how they will lead to the implementation of more
sustainable agricultural or forest practices with particular emphasis on areas such as regulation
of climate change, regulation of the effects of hydro-climatic extreme events, control of
zoonoses and diseases, alternative fuels or green energy (bio-methane production) and the
protection and/or enhancement of the functional diversity within the biological components of
production systems.
Part A: Thematic Research Objectives
1. Emissions within the agri-forest sectors
Address emissions through enhanced carbon sequestration, mitigation and adaptation
measures in landscape or production systems.
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: potential trade-offs or synergies between
production (inclusive of feeding stuffs and breeding systems), biodiversity, ecosystem
functions and services and evaluating soil management options for different soil types
(including water table management applicable to specific soil types).
2. Displacement of high embedded energy material
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: management concepts for lean timber
construction (new and retrofitted; multi-storey, domestic and industrial buildings).
Consequential substitution effects and full life cycle assessment of environmental, social
and economic impacts of wood and wood construction considering behavioural
attitudes, organisational structures or policy, integrating cascading use and
sustainability.
9DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
3. Renewable energy in the agri-forest sectors
Develop technologies or methods to substitute fossil fuel energy through increased use
of biomass, animal waste, crop residues and other renewable energy sources in the
agri-forest sector.
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: substitution of fossil fuels, renewable
energy generation, considering behavioural attitudes, organisational structures or
policy, integrating cascading use and sustainability.
4. Assessing and valuing environmental and ecosystem services
Develop methods to assess and value ecosystem services and / or ecological,
environmental indicators and/or multipurpose soft engineered mitigation measures,
and their potential in the regulation of climate change GHG / ammonia mitigation or
adaptation, the effects of extreme climatic events, soil protection, water quality and
control of zoonoses and diseases.
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: sustainable catchment management in
different topologies and the potential benefits associated with soil health, air quality,
conservation and restoration of natural hydrology, protecting biodiversity, managing
nutrient and sediment dynamics implementable at farm, forest, local or landscape
scales.
Part B: Targeted Research Projects
Expansion of the Marginal Context: Ireland faces challenging targets in relation to both GHG and
Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) ammonia emissions and is committed to the delivery of sustainable,
for the agricultural sector – verifiable greenhouse gas abatement solutions through improvements in
developing and validating novel farm practice in the period up to 2050.
technologies and solutions to Research Need & Rationale: Previous cost benefit analyses for the
reduce gaseous emissions agricultural sector have been instrumental in guiding public policy and
identifying key solutions in GHG / ammonia reduction. However,
continued research and development into mitigation measures
necessitates a persistent requirement to develop new solutions and / or
evaluate emerging and innovative technologies in order to enhance the
environmental sustainability of the Irish agricultural sector including the
cascading use of sustainable bio-based products.
Objectives: Proposals should build on previous iterations of the MACC
analysis and lead to a systematic and integrated understanding of how a
variety of new and diverse solutions / technologies (e.g. biorefining) may
be practically implemented (including their associated costs), enabling
farmers and policymakers to make a more reliable contribution to GHG /
ammonia mitigation targets.
10DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
Forest structures and data Context: Forest structures inter alia mixed species and continuous cover
forestry (CCF) are known to provide multiple benefits including, increasing
biodiversity while maintaining carbon sequestration and introducing
resilience to biotic and abiotic threats.
Research Need & Rationale: Investigate forest structures in an Irish
context including the establishment and conversion of monocultures to
CCF / mixed forests.
Objectives: Proposals focusing on but not restricted to:
o Consult known data sources to assess the extent of pertinent
stands
o Growth modelling potential
o Conversion of monocultures
o Timber production and non-wood forest products and other
ecosystem services
o Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and financial analysis
Scaling Farm Environment Context: There is a need to improve environmental indicators impacted by
Improvements agriculture at farm level for cost-effective measures to protect and
enhance farmland soil, water quality, hydrology and biodiversity
Research Need & Rationale: To develop and scale integrated approaches
to maintain and restore soil and water quality, water features and
pollination and pollinators in Irish farms and agricultural landscapes.
Objectives: Proposals focusing on but not restricted to:
o Co-design of viable pathways/practices for implementation that
maintain, restore, improve soil, water quality, hydrology and
pollination and pollinators in agricultural landscapes.
o Scaling data driven transformation (through e.g. maps, smart
technologies, artificial intelligence) for soil, water and pollinators
including through new emerging technologies and decision
support tools.
o Diversify farm and farming systems and the resulting food
resources and habitats of soil fauna, pollinators and freshwater
life through agro-ecological approaches at farm and landscape
levels.
o Develop prototypes of potential extension services, e.g. advisory,
farmer-to-farmer approaches, to support agro-ecological
transition, exchange knowledge to empower local farming
communities and farm advisory services.
o Provide solutions to key stakeholders (e.g. policy makers,
industries, NGOs, financing entities and businesses) for
addressing soil, water and pollinator benefits with retailers,
consumers and enhance understanding of the mechanics of
natural capital accounting and reporting.
11DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
Climate change impacts in the Context: Ireland’s aquaculture sector is at risk from significant, adverse
Irish aquaculture sector. climate conditions predicted under future scenarios. Quantifying the risks
at sectoral level for farmed salmon, trout, mussels, oysters etc is a
necessity for the future sustainability of the industry.
Research Need & Rationale: To allow for the future development of
Irelands aquaculture industry under future climate change scenarios there
is a need to establish comprehensive baseline data/information which will
provide the evidence base for the future competitiveness and
sustainability of this industry.
Objectives: Proposals should develop fundamental data trends, scenario
modelling, mitigation measures, risk analysis (incl. finfish mortality,
shellfish contamination etc) in order to implement future policies that will
strengthen the environmental sustainability and competitiveness of the
aquaculture industries in Ireland.
12DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
II. Smart Sustainable Animal & Plant Production, Health & Welfare
Rationale
The aim of Research Theme II is to support scientifically excellent research that will contribute
to the improvement of sustainability (environmental, economic and societal) and resilience of
animal, crop, and plant/forest production systems including organic farming systems. It is clear
that more sustainable production systems are those which minimise emissions; promote
efficient use of natural and/or renewable resources; have the highest health, safety, wellbeing
and welfare standards for both product and producer; addresses antimicrobial use; improve
productivity; provide products of high quality and nutritional value as well as value for money
for consumers and the processing sector. Applicants should describe how the expected project
results will be relevant to improved sustainable production that is resilient and adaptable
under the changing climate and/or mitigates the effects of climate change; while also
demonstrating how they would contribute to food and nutritional security under predicted
scenarios, particularly in the period between 2030 and 2050; and show engagement of relevant
stakeholders with research proposals and in the transmission of benefits to those groups.
Part A: Thematic Research Objectives
1. Breeding or Production of Sustainable Farm or Forest Material
Improve productivity, resource use efficiency and/or resistance to biotic or abiotic
stressors in agriculturally-important plants, animals and forest species.
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: conservation of heritage lines, development
of new genotypes, phenotypes with improved yield, product quality and growth
resilience or resistance to adverse stressors or environmental conditions.
2. Identification and Mitigation of Plant, Tree and Animal Pathogens
Holistic approaches to the identification and quantification of critical interventions,
control measures and routes of transmissions at all scales (farm, forest to international)
to prevent / reduce spread of pathogens.
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: transmission within and between cultivated
/ farmed material and at the farm, forest or wildlife interface, as well as the socio-
economic and behavioural drivers which influence the likelihood of uptake of such
interventions.
3. Sustainable, Carbon-Smart Production Systems
Investigate opportunities for developing existing and/or novel, sustainable, integrated
and carbon-smart production systems and practices.
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: new / existing technologies, feed additives
and products and more resilient farming or forest practices (e.g. eco-schemes,
biorefineries) that link with national and European policy frameworks.
4. Biosecurity
13DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
Development and exploitation of approaches to biosecurity best practice and/or
phytosanitary status in Ireland. Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: practical
applications to risk assessment and management (including epidemiological interactions
with other pests) and/or protecting Ireland’s phytosanitary / biosecurity standards so
that it engages meaningfully with sectoral, society and scientific stakeholders. Proposals
may also address horizon scanning to investigate the susceptibility to existing or future
potential pests and their respective interactions. Options for effective monitoring may
include a combination of remote sensing combined with ground validation through new
cost-effective ground survey methodologies coupled with an appropriate ‘citizen
science’ approach.
5. Sustainable Protein Production
Development of existing or novel plant protein sources for food and alternative animal
feed that reduces dependencies on critical imported feed materials (e.g. soya).
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: strategies to develop and maximise plant
protein production (including alternative plant protein sources), alignment with
technologies and opportunities in the primary agriculture sector with special attention
to food or feed competition and/or downstream processing sectors with the potential
for significant sustainable development within circular food systems in an Irish context.
6. Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling
Develop strategies for coupling and maintaining carbon and nitrogen cycles in
production systems.
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: the use of legumes, feed additives /
nutrition, manures, integration with other crop systems, digestates, biostimulants etc.
and should consider the effects of mineral fertilisers or pesticides on coupling and
decoupling. Proposals should demonstrate how results would enhance synergies
between production, biodiversity and other ecosystem services.
7. Welfare and Safety on Farms
Proposals focusing on farm safety and the well-being of farm families are welcome.
Proposals could include research of specific safety products and procedures to improve
welfare, wellbeing and safety on farms.
Part B: Targeted Research Projects
Efficacy and safety of Context: Nitrification and urease inhibitors have been identified as
nitrification and urease potential tools in the mitigation of emissions (specifically nitrous oxide and
inhibitor products. ammonia) from the use of inorganic fertiliser. These inhibitors are
particularly important for those who are modelling both GHG emissions
and air quality.
Research Need and Rationale: Despite the potential benefits, some
uncertainties remain around the magnitude of emissions reductions,
environmental, animal and human health risks.
Objectives: Proposals should address the environmental and health risks
associated with nitrification and urease inhibitor products in an Irish
context.
14DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
Optimising Nitrogen content in Context: The efficiency of N utilization in ruminants is typically low and
animal diets highly variable compared with the higher efficiency of other production
animals.
Research Need & Rationale: Poor efficiencies present implications for
production performance and the environment, particularly in terms of
ammonia emissions, and consequently optimisation of certain key factors
of rumen metabolism (efficiency of N capture, i.e. grams of microbial N per
grams of rumen available N, and the modification of protein degradation N
content in animal diets) as well as the optimisation of feedstuffs, presents
opportunities for gains in production performance while simultaneously
providing abatement options for NH3.
Objectives: Proposals should address methods of optimising the N
content in animal diets and provide evidence for the targeted formulation
and manufacture of optimal protein content feeds and/or manipulation of
N content in grazed grass and silage.
Alternative bio-resources and Context: Enabling the switch to peat-free production with minimal
materials as raw materials for disruption, will require significant research and development of a range of
growing media. alternatives using a variety of available bio-resources.
Research Need & Rationale: Find alternatives to peat based growing
media for horticultural production which are available, affordable and
sustainable and meet quality, environmental and productivity
requirements.
Objectives: Proposals should take account of how peat based growing
media are used in each sector (ornamental and amenity horticulture,
vegetable sector, fruit sector, mushroom sector), and the unique
characteristics demanded by each formulation of growing media in the
Irish context.
Health and Welfare of Farmed Context: Conventional indoor pig farms with a slatted floor currently
Pigs dominate large scale pig production systems in Ireland. However, this
production system is becoming less socially acceptable, presents a number
of environmental protection issues as well as critical animal health and
welfare concerns. In this context, alternative production systems are
gaining traction.
Research Need & Rationale: Although popular with consumers, alternative
systems present several issues from a production perspective.
Management of feeding, watering, temperature and predation remains a
considerable challenge. In addition, biosecurity measures, particularly in
outdoor, free-range systems, are more difficult to implement.
Objectives: Development of novel or improved pig production systems
that provide added value in terms of environmental sustainability,
economic competitiveness and animal health and welfare.
15DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
III. Rural Economy & Sustainable Development, Data & Agri-Digitalisation &
Circular Bioeconomy
Rationale
The goal of Research Theme III is the development of the Rural Economy, Digitalisation and the
Bioeconomy. A key element is to develop circularity as it is an essential part of a wider
transformation towards climate-neutrality and long-term competitiveness. Another key
element is to address the development of data driven, smart, connected territories, natural
capital approaches and agri-food, forest and bio-based value chains in rural, regional and coastal
areas. This will assist in the transition to a sustainable, low carbon, digital and circular
bioeconomy with a focus on bioresources, businesses, services and value chains that includes
promoting new partnerships and innovation ecosystems between producers, processors,
retailers and society. In particular for farmers and consumers in the rural economy, use of
digital technologies is needed for example, to reduce food lost in the field, connect with new
types of customers and manage logistics more efficiently.
Part A: Research Theme Objectives
1. Valorisation of bio-based materials or feedstock
Develop a regionally-focused approach to identify and target the most appropriate
technologies, data and management solutions to expand and diversify the biomass
materials or feedstock portfolio through improved utilisation of existing and new
sources, aligning logistical systems and local processing to meet the demand and
including the primary sectors actors as partners in the new bio-based value chains.
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: natural capital approaches, examination
of the integration of resource recovery and valorisation technologies into the bio-
based supply chain to aid the development of a circular bioeconomy while preserving
sustainable and competitive agriculture, marine and forest production is considered
necessary. Product and market development and LCA analysis should be considered
as necessary.
2. Just Transition for the bioeconomy
There is a need to generate options in the face of uncertainty to address the complex,
multi-faceted nature of the changes needed to make agri-food, forest and bio-based
systems sustainable and circular with proposals focusing on but not restricted to:
working closely with and assisting rural areas, regional areas and communities in
Ireland to co-design an ambitious natural capital, food, forest & bio-based systems
transformation proposal in response to food & bio-based system challenges e.g.
cultural drivers behind public attitudes, health, nutrition, circularity, industry
modernisation & innovation, new logistical and digital infrastructures and
technologies, climate and environmental risk. Engagement with Leader groups, local
and regional governance should also be considered.
16DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
3. Sustainable market development
Identification of market opportunities that support development of novel, nature
positive, integrated, circular and regenerative production methods, new products or
other opportunities specific to the agriculture, marine and forest sector in Ireland.
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: demonstrate enhanced economic /
environmental resilience over current practices/products and should positively
contribute to national climate, biodiversity and sustainability goals, new business
models to ensuring circular food and zero waste practices.
4. Bio-based value chains
Proposals focusing on but not restricted to: Bio-based value chains, materials,
including bio-inspired materials, products and processes with novel qualities,
functionalities and improved sustainability, fostering the development of advanced
biorefineries using a wide range of biomass including novel feedstock, carbon neutral
technologies and natural capital approaches for biorefineries, LCA analyses,
conversion of biomass feedstock, downstream processing for separation and
purification of new bio-based.
Part B - Targeted Research Projects
Circular Horticulture & Field Context: Evidence has emerged indicating the extent of losses varies
Crops, food loss reduction & substantially across different vegetable and fruit crops and seasons.
biorefining Research Need & Rationale: Once avoidable loss and waste is addressed
this indicates that there is a substantial resource for potential upgrade to
food ingredients or bio-based products.
Objectives: Proposals shall aim to address socio-technological
opportunities to deal with vegetable and fruit crop unavoidable waste
taking into account
o Data driven development solutions to optimise biomass
availability and to inform the development of robust supply
chains, business cases including potential social enterprise models
for sustainable and circular bio-based value chains.
o Examine appropriate collection, logistics, storage or local
processing opportunities to develop the position of the primary
producer in the value chain.
o Product and market development opportunities.
o LCA analysis.
17DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
Support the development of Context: The implementation of the European data space will require
the Common European key players and suppliers of the data space to agree on a set of
Agricultural Data Space interoperability mechanisms such as architecture of a distributed or
similar system, specification on a reference Application Programming
Interface (API), meta-data, etc. The data space is expected to facilitate
the processing and analysis of production data (which might be
collected through e.g. Farm Management Systems (FMS) or similar
applications) and open data and other public data, if deemed relevant ,
(such as satellite images, weather data, soil maps that are for public use)
and increase transparency in data flows along the value chain.
Research Need & Rationale: Examine the opportunity to align
separately established platforms and data sources to create holistic
measures of productivity & sustainability in the agri-food and bio-based
sector.
Objectives: Building on and aligning established activities such as
existing data platforms and data sets set up, populate and operate a
secure and trusted data space in order to enable the agriculture sector
to share and access data relevant for sustainable agricultural production
with a view to allowing for an increase in the environmental and
economic performance of the sector through e.g. more precise and
tailored application of production approaches at farm and landscape
level.
Preparations for a Bioeconomy Context: Climate change mitigation and sustainable regional prosperity
Observatory for a sustainable are key strategic objectives for Irish bioeconomy development. In this
and circular bioeconomy respect, optimised cascading chains of biomass use with long time
carbon sequestration should be prioritised.
Research Need & Rationale: There is a need to understand and monitor
the biological raw material base in Ireland and to undertake foresight
analysis to inform sustainable and circular Agri-Food, Bioeconomy &
Carbon Neutral Development.
Objectives: Develop approaches to measure and analyse:
o The biological raw material base
o Biomass flows and logistics taking account of the ecological &
climate boundaries of the bioeconomy, soil management and
current applications of side-streams.
o Data and statistical requirements in tandem with the CSO to
align with needs for the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring
Framework developed by the EU Commission Joint Research
Centre.
o Using data and quantitative scenario modelling bioeconomy
possibilities to meet climate action targets and environmental
and sustainable development objectives.
18DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
IV. Safe, Healthy Food for Human Nutrition.
Rationale
Current societal challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic has made us more aware of the
interrelations between health, eco-systems, supply chains, consumption patterns and planetary
boundaries. These challenges highlight the need for the creation of a favourable food system
that makes it easier to choose healthy and sustainable diets that will benefit consumers’ health
and quality of life, thereby reducing health related costs for society and benefitting the
environment.
The aim of Research Theme V is to advance knowledge in the multiple scientific disciplines
relevant to the supply of safe and healthy food fit for human consumption and nutrition. In
particular it aims to support innovative research that will result in the supply of safe and
nutritious food choices while contributing to the sustainability of the Irish food and drinks
sector.
Part A: Thematic Research Objectives
1. Food for Health and Nutrition
Proposals to design cost effective interventions which could improve peoples’ health
through the availability of better dietary choices along with other research related to
diet, nutrition and health are welcome. Proposals can relate to specific target groups
(such as the elderly) or the general population and can involve dietary intervention
strategies to promote healthier living, improved physical health or stamina, mental
performance and wellbeing.
2. Reformulation
The consumption of energy dense and nutrient poor foods is leading to growing
challenges with the rise of obesity and cardiovascular diseases among populations.
Reformulation to improve the nutritional profile of food is an important long-term
activity to combat these threats. Proposals should consider the reformulation targets
set by the Department of Health relating to calories, total fat, saturated fat, sugar and
salt across all food categories, but especially those considered part of a healthy diet.
Proposals relating to reformulation of products should consider all nutrients of concern
in a product while simultaneously seeking practical options for replacement with
nutrients containing much lower calorific value (for example fibre) to ensure an energy
reduction in the product as well as a reduction in sugar content. The potential for
scaling to industrial level as well as the safety of such products across the population,
including those with fibre sensitive conditions, where relevant, should also be
considered.
19DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
3. Sustainable Food Choices
Diversification with plant based foods can help to reduce the environmental impact of
food production as the global population rises in the medium to long-term. Related
proposals should take into consideration plant and non-plant sources of protein suitable
for production in Ireland, changing dietary patterns and consumer taste preferences
and desire for sustainable food choices.
4. Nutrition Databases
Proposals to facilitate the compilation, analysis and sharing of data relating to food
consumption patterns, nutrition and health. Proposals should consider new methods or
the application of smart technologies to measure dietary intake while maintaining
comparability with existing or ongoing national nutrition surveys.
5. Fish and Seafood
Proposals which support the development and exploitation of sustainable fish and
seafood opportunities are welcome, including investigations into the potential of such
products and/or their constituents to contribute to improved health and wellbeing for
the general population or target groups.
6. Food Safety
Research aimed at examining existing or emerging food safety risks especially any new
risks arising from climate change, the use and application of novel technologies or
production practices in the agri-food sector and/or the souring of alternative proteins or
food ingredients from non-traditional food sources are welcome. Proposals can include
the development and testing of solutions to minimise such risks and should ultimately
aim to improve food safety, risk assessment, regulation and related policy-making.
7. Vulnerability Assessment
There are key supply chains in Ireland and these should be mapped and points of
vulnerability established to allow competent authorities to focus resources on areas of
potential fraudulent or deceptive practices. Data monitoring or analytics to evaluating
signals emanating from the food chain should be developed for early warning purposes.
Current priority areas are the beef, pork, poultry and white fish product supply chains in
Ireland, but consideration would also be given to proposals related to the horticultural
and feed sectors.
20DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
8. Authenticity
Food authenticity has become an increasing feature of consumer demand and industry
focus. Methods to test ingredients and validate authenticity claims are important tools
for industry and regulators and can help to prevent food fraud. Research proposals
should consider the following priority areas:
Use of molecular methods to identify and quantify plant species in wet and dried
mixtures of plants e.g. herbs, botanical supplements.
Metagenomic approaches for accurate geographical source identification of farmed
shellfish to verify origin and growing site.
A reliable method or suite of methods for verifying the authenticity of Irish meat
and fish e.g. Irish grass fed beef, Irish farmed salmon to verify origin claims and/or
varietal claims made by growers and packers in the horticultural sector as required
by existing EU marketing standards legislation.
Part B: Targeted Research Projects
Use and consumption patterns Context: Seaweed is a relatively underexplored source of human nutrition
of seaweed and halophytes in in Ireland, although there has been increased interest in recent years.
Ireland Market research has indicated that the amount of seaweed-flavoured
foods and drinks available in Europe increased by 7 % between 2011 and
2015, mainly due to the perceived health benefits of seaweed.
Research Need & Rationale: In 2020 the Scientific Committee of the FSAI
published a report on ‘Safety considerations of seaweed and seaweed-
derived foods available on the Irish market’. The report noted several gaps
in information necessary to conduct risk assessment and identified a
number of research needs.
Objectives:
Generate quantitative information about direct consumption of
seaweed and consumption of seaweed as an ingredient in other
foods (not additives e.g. thickeners) in all age groups, from 1 year
to old age.
Conduct a survey on seaweed preparation techniques, coupled
with information on how the consumed seaweed was obtained
(foraged, purchased at farmer’s markets, purchased in health
food shops, online or retail).
Conduct a study into the effects of food processing on the
presence of harmful chemicals e.g. heavy metals analysis should
be conducted to allow for advice to consumers on how to
minimise exposure to such chemicals.
Conduct a market survey on the availability of edible seaweed
species and halophytes which can inform the need for risk
management actions.
21DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
Land spreading Context: In 2008 the FSAI scientific committee published a comprehensive
report on the food safety implications of land spreading of Organic
Agricultural (OA) waste and Organic Municipal/Industrial (OMI) waste on
land in Ireland.
Research Need & Rationale: Data is still needed in an Irish context on the
concentration of chemicals and the type, numbers, prevalence and survival
of pathogens in OA and, in particular, in OMI materials used for land
spreading in Ireland. Practical approaches are needed to mitigate any
identified food safety hazards.
Objectives: Quantitative data generation on chemical and biological
hazards associated with OA and OMI materials together with a
comprehensive review of the literature on mitigation measures to reduce
identified hazards is required and any gaps in knowledge need to be
addressed by suitable research studies.
Influence of GAP and Context: There is some indication that differences in agricultural and
processing on mycotoxin processing practices employed within the cereal sector in Ireland can lead
prevalence in Ireland to considerable differences in prevalence and/or formation of mycotoxins
in cereal grains.
Research Need & Rationale: In light of climate change and the tightening
of regulatory measures it is important to fully elucidate the importance of
the various stages from field to fork on the formation of individual and co-
occurrence of various mycotoxins.
Objectives: Research into the currently implemented agricultural (e.g.
fungicide use) and manufacturing practices (e.g. cleaning, sorting and
drying procedures), including intermediate transport and storage on
formation of mycotoxins would help identify critical control points and
support the development of codes of practice tailored to the Irish context.
A survey on the prevalence and co-occurrence of mycotoxins (such as
Fusarium mycotoxins which are of relevance in the Irish context) in cereals
grown and produced in Ireland could also be used to assess the exposure
of Irish consumers to mycotoxins from Irish cereals.
22DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
Study on nitrates / nitrites to Context: Nitrates (NO3) and nitrites (NO2) are chemicals that can be found
ensure product safety taking naturally in our food and water. In nature, nitrates are readily converted to
into consideration Irish nitrites and vice versa. Nitrates and nitrites are currently authorised as
production methods (e.g. food additives within the EU. These additives function as preservatives in
injection/immersion curing of food and they are both used extensively to enhance colour, flavour and to
meat along with tumbling in extend the shelf life of processed meats.
some cases). Research Need & Rationale: The use of nitrates and nitrites in food
products must comply with the provisions set out in Annex II Part E of
Regulation 1333/2008/EC on food additives which are in force since 1 June
2013. Controls on nitrate and nitrite in cured meat products are generally
based on the ingoing amount of the additives unless there is a specific
derogation contained in the legislation for a particular product which
permits levels to be based on residual amounts in the product e.g.
Wiltshire cured bacon and ham and dry cured bacon and ham.
The EU Commission has proposed reductions in the maximum permitted
levels for these additives and as a result there are concerns among Irish
industry about what impact this may have on cured meat products in
terms of their stability and shelf-life particularly traditionally produced
meat products.
Objectives: A study should be undertaken to assess the minimum amount
of these additives that are required in order to ensure microbial safety and
stability throughout the shelf-life of meat products whilst at the same time
ensuring no unacceptable effects on colour. This study should take into
account a number of factors such as the size of the meat pieces cured,
production methods (e.g. immersion, tumbling), shelf-life of the products
and low salt meat products. It should also determine the residual levels of
these additives for products to be placed on the market as new proposed
legislation will now set levels on both an ingoing and residual basis.
Nitrite in food (and nitrate converted to nitrite in the body) may also
contribute to the formation of a group of compounds known as
nitrosamines, some of which are carcinogenic. Proposals should include a
study to assess the level of nitrosamine formation in different meat
products based on the known amounts of added nitrites/nitrates and the
variation that can occur within the same meat product type.
23DAFM Thematic Research Call 2021 - Call Specification
Risk of increasing Paralytic Context: Since 2018, the potent neurotoxin Saxitoxin (and its family of
Shellfish Poisoning events in compounds known as Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PST’s)) which are
Ireland - an important food responsible for the human illness syndrome, Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning,
safety concern. through the consumption of contaminated shellfish, have been observed
to be increasing in their abundance and geographical distribution and
occurrence in Irish coastal waters leading to the contamination of shellfish
in classified production areas.
Research Need & Rationale: Originally confined to Cork Harbour since
initial PSP monitoring began in the 1990’s, the causative toxigenic and
non-toxigenic species of the genus Alexandrium has recently been
observed to be increasing all around the Irish coastline, usually resulting in
no or very low PSP concentrations in shellfish. During the last two years,
extremely high levels of PSP have been found in Castlemaine Harbour,
approx. 3 times above EU recommended regulatory levels, resulting in
prolonged closures and the prohibition of placing shellfish on the market.
Objectives: Proposals should involve:
A full-scale study into Castlemaine Harbour looking at the
environmental conditions and physical dynamics which are
leading to the increased PSP in-toxification events.
Similar studies in other important areas of aquaculture,
particularly those which are subjected to blooms of Alexandrium
species, where little or no resultant PSP toxicity is observed.
Assess the risk of PSP events and human illness through
recreational harvesting of shellfish along unmonitored coastlines.
V. Smart Food Processing and Manufacturing
Rationale
Smart food processing and manufacturing research proposals should facilitate improved
environmental and economic sustainability within agri-food and drinks processing by providing
a pipeline of relevant science and technology with potential to deliver foods or food ingredients
which either adds value, reduces operating costs or lowers the environmental impact of food
processing. They should support the Fourth Industrial Revolution (or Industry 4.0) or the
ongoing automation of traditional manufacturing and industrial practices, using modern smart
technologies.
Where appropriate, the application of any new technologies should be done with the intention
of maintaining or improving the bioavailability of micronutrients and macronutrients, sensory
appeal and consumer acceptability.
Part A: Thematic Research Objectives
1. Process Innovations
Applicants are welcome to submit proposals which can be expected to provide safe
product or process innovations which can add value to the food and drinks sector,
whilst creating innovative and sustainable solutions to addressing industry challenges
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